Cosumnes River

Three segments of the last undammed river in the state offer cool spots for swimming and plenty of oak shade relief from the unrelenting Central Valley summer. Another river option is a trip back through time at the Cosumnes River Preserve. This joint Bureau of Land Management-Nature Conservancy venture keeps alive the largest remaining valley oak riparian forest in California. Ducklings have the right-of-way at this popular rest stop on the Pacific Flyway. And wetlands and sloughs create a wonderful meander with more than a hint of old bayou country only minutes from California's capital.

When to go: Swimming, summer only; TNC Preserve, year-round.
Getting there: Swimming sites off Aukum and Bucks Bar Rds, E of Hwy. 49, and SE of Placerville; Consumnes River Preserve, From Sacramento S. on I-5 - exit near Sacramento-San Joaquin County Lines.
River Class: I
Local BLM Office: Folsom Resource Area